Sam Allardyce Criticises Giovanni Trapattoni For 'Disgraceful' Comments About Steven Reid

Giovanni Trapattoni has riled Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce by claiming that Achilles-troubled Steven Reid cannot compete at the top level anymore.

Reid has featured twice, in League Cup fixtures, after being sidelined for over a year, and Allardyce believes Reid still has a lot to offer, both at club level and internationally.

"I was disappointed by the comments from Giovanni Trapattoni about Steven Reid," Allardyce said to The Mirror.

"It's disgraceful that a manager of an international side could come out with such drivel and nonsense. He should be making a public apology to Steven Reid and this football club.

"He's had some really hard times trying to overcome his injury. To wake up and see that written in the papers by the manager of his country is particularly disappointing."

Regarding Trapattoni's comments, Allardyce said: "He was completely out of order with what he said. He's totally wrong in his statements and that's not the case with Steven Reid.

"It's very damaging for a young man contracted to this football club, who's trying to be his best and secure a new contract and force his way back into the Republic of Ireland side.

"I find it totally and utterly amazing to see what he said."